Kisoro

Kisoro is a remote but beautiful town in the far south-western corner of Uganda, nestled in a valley surrounded by the Virunga Volcanoes. The town is the main gateway to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and is also close to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the borders of Rwanda and the DRC. The dramatic landscape of volcanic peaks, terraced hillsides, and lush valleys makes Kisoro one of Uganda's most scenic locations.

The Bafumbira people are the dominant ethnic group, and Rufumbira (similar to Rwandan) is the local language. The town has a distinctly highland atmosphere with cool temperatures year-round.

By Plane

Kisoro Airstrip has flights from Entebbe operated by Aerolink. Flight time is about 1.5 hours. This is the most practical way to reach Kisoro for gorilla trekking.

By Train

There is no passenger train service to Kisoro.

By Car / Road

From Kampala, the journey is 7–8 hours via Kabale. The road to Kisoro from Kabale is paved and winds through spectacular scenery. Private taxis from Kampala cost around 500,000–700,000 UGX.

Kisoro town is small and walkable. Boda-bodas and 4x4 vehicles are used for trips to the park.

• Mount Muhavura (4,127 m) — The highest of the Virunga Volcanoes, visible from town

• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park — 15 km east, home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys

• Lake Mutanda — A stunning lake surrounded by volcanoes, near Kisoro

• Kisoro Market — A vibrant highland market

• Mountain gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

• Golden monkey tracking — Mgahinga is one of the few places for this experience

• Hike Mount Muhavura or Mount Sabinyo — challenging but rewarding volcano treks

• Boat trips on Lake Mutanda

• Cross-border day trips to Rwanda (Cyanika border) or the DRC (Bunagana border)

• Mgahinga Safari Lodge Restaurant — Excellent meals for park visitors
• Kisoro Tourist Hotel — Local and international dishes
• Lake Mutanda Resort — Lakeside dining with volcano views

Local bars serve Nile Special and Club beer. Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Kisoro Backpackers (dorm from 15,000 UGX) and Kisoro Guest House (basic rooms from 20,000 UGX)
• Mid-range: Kisoro Tourist Hotel (rooms from US$40) and Lake Mutanda Eco Lodge (from US$50)
• Upscale: Mgahinga Safari Lodge (from US$250 per person, luxury volcano-view lodge) and Mucha Lodge (from US$120)

Kisoro Market sells highland produce, crafts, and local art.

• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (15 km east) — Gorilla and golden monkey tracking
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (40 km north, 1.5 hrs) — Gorilla trekking
• Kabale (70 km north, 1.5 hrs) — Highland town and Lake Bunyonyi
• Lake Mutanda (15 km south) — Stunning volcanic lake
• Rwanda border (Cyanika, 20 km south) — Cross into Rwanda
• DRC border (Bunagana, 15 km west) — Cross into Virunga National Park